Penalties For Reckless Driving in Hampton

In Hampton, penalties for reckless driving can include a fine, community service, license suspension and jail time, depending on how fast over the speed limit the person was caught when they were ticketed. Reckless driving is a class one misdemeanor criminal charge in Virginia so the maximum penalty is a $2,500 fine and 12 months in jail, just like every other class one misdemeanor. A person travelling 81 miles per hour in an 80 mile per hour zone is less likely to receive jail time and or large fine than someone going 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, however in both instances it is important to consult with a Hampton reckless driving lawyer to ensure that the harm of your charge is minimized.

Consequences For Your Driver’s License

A reckless driving conviction in Hampton would result in six demerits points on someone’s’ drivers license which would remain on the record for up to 11 years. Additionally, the consequences of getting too many demerit points could result in a suspended license down the line as well.

How Does Hampton Treat Reckless Driving Charges?

Hampton prosecutors do not handle reckless driving cases. Instead it is the law enforcement officer who charged the driver who handles the case. The officers can be very fair and unless the driver did something that really stuck out to the officer, the officers typically just read their police report and allow the judge to decide what to do without swaying the judge in either direction.

The judges however do take this charge seriously and are known to provide a sentence in jail for excessive speeds. Many times, reckless driving defendants will also receive a lecture from the judge about the dangers of their behavior and how they could have killed themselves or someone else in the process of their actions.

Long Term Implications of a Reckless Driving Conviction

A reckless driving conviction means that the driver will have a criminal record for the rest of their life. If they apply for a job, with applications that ask about misdemeanor convictions, they will have to list that conviction every single time. It can also have an effect on obtaining housing, on attaining loans and on security clearances. The fines associated with reckless driving can also result in long term consequences if they are not paid on time. It’s not uncommon for people to have their license suspended for unpaid fines or to have interest added to the fines as well. For these reasons it is often a good idea to consult with a Hampton reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.